Indian relay racing is a sport that dates back hundreds of years. Photo from Professional Indian Horse Racing Association / Facebook

Correction: The Muckleshoot Tribe's event is not officially affiliated with the Professional Indian Horse Racing Association. The 2015 event at Emerald Downs was the season opener for the organization's circuit but that is not the case this year.

The Muckleshoot Tribe of Washington is hosting top Indian relay racing teams for an exciting competition in June.

The tribe will award $50,000 in prizes at the Muckleshoot Gold Cup. The event takes place June 10-12 at the Emerald Downs in Auburn.

“We have a great lineup of teams and our fans will be amazed by the athleticism that will be on display,”Vice President Jack Hodge said in a press release. “Emerald Downs will be a significant annual stop on the growing Indian Relay circuit.”

As part of the competition, the teams will race twice around the one-mile track at the facility and exchange horses every half-mile. Each team’s rider must leap from one galloping horse to another in their assigned exchange box while other team members assist in handling the horses.

The teams are coming from Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Based on their locations, the teams include members of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, the Colville Tribes, the Umatilla Tribes, the Blackfeet Nation and the Crow Tribe.

Last year, the event served as the season opener for the Professional Indian Horse Racing Association. This year's relay is not affiliated with the organization.

The association will hold its All Nations Relay Championship in Montana in September. Last year's champion was Omak Express, representing the Colville Tribes. The team is returning to the circuit this year and will be competing at the Muckleshoot Tribe's event.

Get the Story:
Indian Relay Racing returns to Emerald Downs (The Auburn Reporter 4/27)

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Native Sun News: Behind the scenes with Indian relay racing team (8/25)
Muckleshoot Tribe hosts season opener for Indian horse races (6/23)